868.00/6–1248: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece 1
856. Dept has noted with interest and approval views on development Grk situation expressed Belgrade tels 708 and 709 Jun 8,2 Athens Embtel 1066 Jun 12 and Amag 1138 Jun 16. Analysis therein corresponds to thinking of Dept, which is endeavoring, through VOUSA and press contacts, to ensure realistic public interpretation of Markos and satellite peace overtures and thereby prevent development of false sense of security and incorrect impression that “war is over”.
We appreciate that even if present hopes realized and back of guerrilla movement in fact broken by present offensive operations, ensuing period will continue to be one of difficulty for US Greek policy. We anticipate that in Greece itself it will probably be necessary combat tendency toward political disintegration and relaxation econ controls once acute guerrilla threat removed. In US we may be faced with public clamor for reduction subsidies to Grk military establishment. In UN” arena, it may be necessary discourage acceptance at face value satellite peace overtures which might lead some powers to oppose forthright consideration UNSCOB report and such future “watch-dog” or other UN action as may be indicated as necessary by report and situation prevailing in autumn.
Dept approves proposal suggested Amag 1138 for statement by Primin, which Eankin hereby authorized discuss with Sophoulis and Tsaldaris. If victory achieved or definitely in sight at time of statement, Primin might usefully stress importance continued unity, self-discipline and vigilance of Grk nation, at same time reiterating Grk [Page 114] desire for reestablishment honest and good neighborly relations with Balkan States.3
Sent Athens [856]; rptd London [2423], Paris [2320], Moscow [725], Rome [1756], Sofia [408], Belgrade [334], Salonika [163] (Balcom) [183].
- Sent jointly to the American Mission for Aid to Greece as Gama 1018.↩
- Neither printed.↩
- Chargé Rankin discussed this paragraph with Messrs. Sophoulis and Tsaldaris. Both agreed that a possible statement by the Greek Government when decisive victory was in sight “should be unilateral (in no way suggestive of negotiations), that bandit leaders and those charged with common crimes who surrender must expect to face Greek justice, but that other rank and file will be treated magnanimously. They also agreed that at same time it doubtless would be appropriate to stress importance of unity, discipline and vigilance of Greek nation and to reiterate Greek desire for good relations with northern neighbors.” (telegram 1270, July 8,5 p. m., from Athens, 868.00/7–848)↩